Over the past few years, the Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has been under constant fire for her controversial remarks about the transgender community and her opinion on gender identity. While Rowling’s social media comments sparked backlash, the author seemingly faced the most brutal shade from Emma Watson at the BAFTAs.
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | Warner Bros.
For years, J.K. Rowling has been publicly sharing her alleged disapproval of the transgender community for which her own Harry Potter stars went against her. Publicly calling out the author for her derogatory remarks, Daniel Radcliffe had previously slammed Rowling. But fans believe none of the actors could humiliate the author like Emma Watson did, indirectly.
Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson’s Long Drawn Feud with J.K. Rowling
After Warner Bros adapted J.K. Rowling‘s Harry Potter novels, the author received newfound fame and global appreciation for her literary contribution. However, that reputation quickly turned into disgrace, after Rowling took to her social media sites to share her opinion on gender identity. Instead of using her celebrity status to make people aware, as the British author began sharing controversial remarks, she came under public wrath.
Meanwhile, not just netizens but even her nitpicked Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson took a verbal stand against her. After J.K. Rowling renewed her controversial comments surrounding transgender rights, she found herself at the center of heated debate, targeted by Radcliffe and Watson. As Rowling expressed her views on standards of care for gender-variant youth, the two actors unanimously criticized the author.
J.K. Rowling during an interview with BBC
Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I. Radcliffe asserted via Trevor Project.
Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are. Watson shared via X.
Daniel Radcliffe in a still from Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows- Part 2 | Warner Bros.
The above-mentioned remarks from the Harry Potter leading actors Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson are among the many criticisms that they directed towards J.K. Rowling over the years. However, none seemed as wicked as Watson’s remark during an onstage moment at the 2022 BAFTA awards ceremony.
Fans Believe Emma Watson Took an Indirect Dig at J.K. Rowling at the BAFTAs
At the 2022 BAFTA Awards on Sunday, the Harry Potter actress Emma Watson took the stage, after host Rebel Wilson invited her to present the award for Best Outstanding British Film at the Royal Albert Hall. After the Australian actress jokingly introduced her by highlighting her works as a feminist, while also reflecting on her witchy role as Hermione Granger, Watson took the opportunity to make a savage dig at J.K. Rowling’s viral comments on transgender women.
Emma Watson in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | Warner Bros.
Here to present the next award is Emma Watson. She calls herself a feminist, but we all know she’s a witch. Wilson noted.
I’m here for ALL the witches. Watson responded.
While Emma Watson did not provide context for her remark, BAFTA viewers flooded social media with their attempt at decoding the powerful statement by the actress. Netizens seemingly connected her statement with J.K. Rowling’s controversial views, especially after Watson had previously dissed the author by voicing her support for the trans community. Thereafter, Watson’s bold on-camera moment earned her appreciation for her choice of words.
Emma Watson is a queen for this https://t.co/fng3dHsfYJ
— Joe🥤 (@Joeeyyyypp) March 13, 2022
I love the shade Emma Watson just threw at JK Rowling at the BAFTAs. She said, "I'm here for ALL of the witches, bar one." Emma is a QUEEN. pic.twitter.com/3jXEDVpzHQ
— Alejandra Caraballo (@Esqueer_) March 14, 2022
Emma Watson is the feminist we should all aim to be, inclusive, supportive and refuses to step on those more oppressed. https://t.co/nG21QngRaB
— Tylervision (@_TylerVision) March 14, 2022
Trans witches are witches https://t.co/MFIFdWieD8
— AlexisIsANerd(She/Her) ✡️🟣 (@LexiTalksComix) March 14, 2022
My feminism includes all women, even those I disagree with. When you’re feminism defines women by the method of our oppression (gender) then it’s misogynistic at it’s root and this will result in misogyny & exclusion of women in practice. Ergo #WitchfinderWatson #MeanGirls https://t.co/30RXS49vc5
— Esme📝 (@fairnotkind) March 14, 2022
Harry Potter’s leading trio alongside Fantastic Beasts franchise starrer Eddie Redmayne, have all spoken out against J.K. Rowling’s controversial views. However, none garnered as much attention as Emma Watson did for her bold stance against the author at the global platform, during the BAFTAs. Although it wasn’t confirmed that the actress’ remarks were aimed at Rowling, fans had good reason to think that she was indeed calling out the author.
Harry Potter films are available on Max.
